Electronic combination lock including sequential signal generator and signal display

ABSTRACT

A manually-actuated electronic combination lock is provided in which the combination code consists of certain preselected digital signals out of a field of many such signals. Circuit means provide for generating a sequence of digital signals constituting the field in response to sustained manual engagement with a push-button switch and a solid state alpha-numeric indicator is connected to display by symbolic representation each of the signals as generated. Selection of the proper combination of signals is provided by manually releasing the switch as each of the proper signals is displayed, whereupon each such selected signal is f ed to a decoding circuit. The signals selected in this manner are collected in the decoding circuit, which upon completion of the proper code operates an electromagnetic lock or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the solid state indicator is mounted together with the push-button switch on a portable key member adapted for a detachable connection at a security station, such as a door equipped with an electricallyoperated lock. Other disclosed embodiments include, mounting of the solid state indicator and manual push-button within a door handle disposed adjacent to and for operation of an electromechanical door lock; and an arrangement of the solid state indicator and push-button in the driver&#39;&#39;s compartment of a vehicle, preferably and as disclosed with the indicator disposed in a window panel overlying the steering column, for controlled operation of the vehicle ignition and hood locks.

United States Patent 1191 Gartner 1451 May 21, 1974 ELECTRONICCOMBINATION LOCK INCLUDING SEQUENTIAL SIGNAL GENERATOR AND SIGNALDISPLAY [76] Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner, 5711 Ravenspur Dr., PalosVerdes Peninsula, Calif. 90274 [22] Filed: June 29, 1972 [21] Appl. No.:267,640

Primary Examiner.l. D. Miller Assistant Examiner-Harry E. Moose, Jr.

Attorney, Agent, or FirmMiketta, Glenny, Poms & Smith [57] ABSTRACT Amanually-actuated electronic combination lock is provided in which thecombination code consists of certain preselected digital signals out ofa field of many such signals. Circuit means provide for generating asequence of digital signals constituting the field in response tosustained manual engagement with a push-button switch and a solid statealpha-numeric indicator is connected to display by symbolicrepresentation each of the signals as generated. Selection of the propercombination of signals is provided by manually releasing the switch aseach of the proper signals is displayed, whereupon each suchselected'signal is f ed to a decoding circuit. The signals selected inthis manner are collected in the decoding circuit, which upon completionof the proper code operates an elec tromagnetic lock or the like. In oneembodiment of the invention, the solid state indicator is mountedtogether with the push-button switch on a portable key member adaptedfor a detachable connection at a security station, such as a doorequipped with an electrically-operated lock. Other disclosed embodimentsinclude, mounting of the solid state indicator and manual push-buttonwithin a door handle disposed adja-' cent to and for operation of anelectro-mechanical door lock, and an arrangement of the solid stateindicator and push-button in the drivers compartment of a vehicle,preferably and as disclosed with the indicator disposed in a windowpanel overlying the steering column, for controlled operation of thevehicle ignition and hood locks.

22 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures FATENTED MAY 2 1 m4 Cl/Q Cu 7 ELEC TeaMEG/491w c174,

PATENTED MAY 2 1 1974 SHEEI b 0F 6 1 wwe SHEU S (If 6 PATENTEDMAY 2 1+974 ELECTRONIC COMBINATION LOCK INCLUDING SEQUENTIAL SIGNAL GENERATORAND SIGNAL DISPLAY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general the presentinvention relates to security control systems and more particularly toelectronic combination locks of the type operated by manual control suchas by a pushbutton switch.

A variety of manually-actuated electronic combination lock controls havebeen heretofore devised; however such previous systems are generallycumbersome to operate in that they generally require a large number ofswitching devices for entry of the combination code. Additionally, thenumerous combination or input switches render such prior systems bulkyand difficult to package for a convenient mounting in confined areas,and costly because of the cumulative cost of the many switches.

Further still, these available electrical combination locks areinflexible in their installation again because of the manner in whichthe code or combination is entered into the circuit by a plurality ofmanual switches. This characteristic of previous controls rendersimpractical an installation, for example, in which the manually-operatedcode input means is portable relative to the station at which thecontrol lock or other security control is mounted.

Another shortcoming of available electronic combination locks lies inthe installation of the manual control panel so as to be readilyaccessible by unauthorized persons, thereby increasing the chance of anintruder breaking the combination by trial and error attempts, andincreasing the risk of entry by crafty thieves capable ofshort-circuiting the electrical connections associated with theswitches. A protective feature eliminating this risk would provide forremovable attachment of the manual code entry means at the securedstation to permit portable transportation of such means, as a key, byauthorized persons. However, such an arrangement is not practical forexisting electronic locks in which entry of the code is by a pluralityof manual switch inputs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS OBJECTIVES It is therefore anobject of the present invention to provide a manually-actuatedelectronic combination lock control of the type involving entry of asophisticated combination code in which the manuallyactuated input meansis substantially simplified over previous systems and yet the over-alloperation of the lock provides a high degree of security againstunauthorized operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electroniccombination lock control having an additional element of security,heretofore unavailable in comparable electronic combination locks. Inthis regard it is an advantage of one embodiment of the presentinvention that the manually-actuated code entry means is detachable froma security station for portable transportation by authorized persons. Inthis manner the code entry means is unavailable at the station itselffor tampering with by intruders. Operation of the security control thusrequires both physical possession of the code entry means and priorknowledge of the combination code itself.

A further advantage of the present invention lies in the simplificationof the manual code entry control, which in its most general formconsists of a single manually operated push-button switch and a singlealphanumeric display panel presenting a convenient code entry format andyet providing a sufficient number of permutations such that it isvirtually impossible to fortuitously or by trial and error to break thecombination and operate the lock.

These objects and various advantages of the invention are achieved by asecurity control system in which a circuit means provides for generatinga sequence of electrical signals in response to continuous manualengagement of a switch and for selecting and entering certain of thesegenerated signals into a decoding portion of the circuit for operatingthe lock. The selection and signal entry is provided by an appropriatelytimed release of the manually engaged switch. To enable the operator toappropriately time his release of the switch, a solid state digitallycontrolled alpha-numeric indicator is connected to the circuit toprovide a visual display of symbolic representations of the generatedsignals. The operator, with prior knowledge of the particular symbolscorresponding tothe successful access code, engages the switch means toinitiate the sequential display of each of the generated signals andreleases the switch as the first symbol, such as a number, of the codeis displayed. Repeated manual actuation and release of the switchprovides for entry of all of the symbols or numbers of the codedcombination whereupon the circuit issues an output signal for energizinga suitable control means, such as an electromechanical lock or latch.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the digitally-operatedalph-numeric indicator panel is mounted together with amanually-actuated pushbutton switch on a portable key member havingdetachable connection means for engagement with mating connection meansfixedly disposed at a security station. The security station may be adoor and door jamb assembly provided with a suitableelectrically-operated lock as disclosed in the following detaileddescription of the invention, or a vehicle in which the electroniccombination controls the ignition thereof The portable key means havingthe display and manual push-button may be transported relative to thestation and inserted in the station receptacle for entry of thecombination and operation of the lock or vehicle ignition.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the solid stateindicator panel is mounted for visual display within a window formed ina door handle, especially an annular knob as disclosed herein, with themanual push button mounted in an axial end of the same annular doorknob. The knob with'display panel and manual push button is thus adaptedfor attachment to a security door and with suitable connection meansextending to the electronic circuit and electricallyoperated lock. Bythis arrangement the door handle knob provides a convenient mounting forthe display panel and push button such that all of these components maybe installed as a unit on the door and easily connected to and forcontrolling the electricallyoperated lock.

A'still further desirable embodiment of the present invention providesfor mounting the alpha-numeric display in a panel or window adjacent theupper surface of a steering column in a vehicle and disposition of themanual switch control on a side or lower surface of the same column toafford both easy vision of the display and convenient manual access tothe pushbutton actuator. Additional switch controls, such as a standardkey ignition switch and auxiliary hood latch switch are provided inassociation with the electronic combination control for supplementingthe operations thereof. It is observed in this connection that one ofthe advantages of the vehicular installation of the present invention isthat it functions both as an anti-theft device and as an anti-drunkdriving control since the operator of the combination lock must have anormal amount of visualmotor coordination to successfully release thepushbutton switch each time the proper code symbols appear on thesteering column display.

While the foregoing provides a brief description of the invention andits objectives, further objects and various advantages of the electroniccombination lock according to the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof. Referencewill be made to the appended sheets of drawings which are brieflydescribed as follows:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, sideelevation view of a door and door jamb assembly equipped with a securitycontrol lock system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective view of a receptacleincluding electrical connection means for fixed installation at thesecurity door of FIG. 1 and for detachably receiving a portable keymeans having mating electrical connections and carrying the alphanumericindicator panel and manual push button for entry of the combinationcode.

FIG. 3 is a generalized block diagram of the electrical circuitry forproviding the sequential generation of the electrical signals, thedisplay thereof on the indicator and the selection, entry and decodingof the electrical signals selected by the switch means for operating anelectromechanical lock control.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a door jamb and doorjamb assembly equipped with an embodiment of the security control systemof the present invention in which the display panel and manual switchare mounted within a door knob affixed to the door.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the door knob ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a further generalized block diagram of the circuitry, similarto FIG. 3, but in this instance associated with the security controlsystem of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a vehicle showing thedrivers compartment including a steering column to which the code entrymeans, namely the push-button actuator and display panel of the presentinvention are mounted for operation by the driver.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 7

showing the portions circumscribed by circle VII and showing moreclearly the display panel, push-button actuator, andauxiliary hoodswitch and a standard ignition key assembly.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, section view taken along the plane IXIX of FIG.7 and illustrating an electromechanical latch mechanism for selectivelysecuring the hood of the vehicle. I

FIG. 10 is a composite block diagram and schematic drawing of thecircuitry associated with the vehicular embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 7, 8, and 9.

FIG. 11 is a detailed composite block and schematic diagram of thecircuitry of the electronic combination lock of the present inventionwherein. the illustrated circuit is suitable for the circuits generallyshown .by the block diagrams of FIGS. 3, 6, and 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary block diagram of a preferred alternativeembodiment of the circuits of FIGS. 3, 6, I0, and 11, in which anadditional manually-operated switch is provided for reversing thesequence of displayed symbols on the alpha-numeric indicator panel, suchthat an operator may selectively reverse the sequence to reach the nextcode number of symbol in the shortest amount of time.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable key means similar to the keyof FIG. 2 but in this instance adapted with a manually actuated switchcapable of providing the additional control switch of FIG. 12 forreversing the display sequence.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3,the electronic combination lock of the present invention is adapted foroperating an electrically-controlled lock means, or the like such aselectromechanical lock control 16 for a striker assembly as illustratedin FIG. I mounted in cooperation with a door and door jamb assembly. Inthis instance, control 16 is of a construction disclosed and claimed inmy co-pending US. application, Ser. No. 169,750 filed Aug. 6, 1971 forLock Construction. Further details of the construction and operation ofthe lock control shown in FIG. 1 may be obtained by referring to thispreviously filed application.

For the purpose of describing the present invention, it will be observedthat lock control 16 includes an electrically operated component here inthe form of a solonoid coil 17, and it will be appreciated that anyelectrically controlled device serving as a lock or security control maybe employed in lieu of lock control 16.

In accordance with the present invention, circuit means are provided, asshown in FIG. 3 including a signal generator circuit 18 for generating asequence of electrical signals, preferably in a digitally encodedformat, in response to continuous manual engagement with a push-buttonswitch 19 of the momentary contact type. Push-button switch 19 is alsoconnected to a decoding circuit 21' including memory means, which isresponsive to operation of the switch to select and enter certain of thesignals generated by circuit 18' for operating lock control 16. It isnecessary in accordance with the invention to select certainpredetermined signals and to enter them in a given sequence in order tosuccessfully operate control 16. Such selection is made possiblebyvirtue of a digitally-operated display 22 which receives the generatedsignals from circuit l8 and develops a visual display by symbolicrepresentation, such as by letters or numbers, of the generated signals.Thus, in response to manual engagement of switch 19, circuit 18' isactivated to initiate a sequential generation of individually uniquesignals, in this instance in the form of digitally encoded signalscarried by a set of 4 bit lines 23', which are received and interpretedby display 22' to be presented in the form of symbolic informationmeaningful to the operator. For example, numbers 1 through may begenerated and displayed corresponding to 10 different signals fromgenerator 18. Selection of particular ones of these generated signalsfor application to the decoding circuit 21 is provided by anappropriately-timed release of the manually-engaged switch 19. Inparticular this operating characteristic is obtained by a connection ofswitch 19 not only to circuit 18 but also to decoding circuit 21' asillustrated such that the operator by releasing switch 19' as a numberor other symbol of the predetermined combination is displayed, causesthe corresponding electrical signal to be fed to decoding circuit 21'.Repeated manual engagement and release of switch 19' permits entry ofall of the numbers of symbols comprising the coded combination whereuponcircuit 21' responds by issuing a signal to and for operating lockcontrol 16. A timer circuit 27 is provided for responding to an initialoperation of switch 19 to provide power to the circuitry enablingoperation thereof for a predetermined amount of time. Suitable circuitryfor circuits 18', 21, and 27' is illustrated by FIG. 11 in the form ofcorresponding circuits 18, 21, and 27, operating in conjunction with acorresponding switch 19 and a corresponding display 22, to be describedmore fully herein.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 1through 3, digitally-operated display 22' and push-button switch 19 aremounted together on a portable key device 31 as shown in FIG. 2 fordetachable connection to a receptacle means 32 mounted along with theelectromechanical lock at a security station, in this instance the doorand door jamb assembly of FIG. 1. Key device 31 and receptacle 32 areformed with mating connection means 33 illustrated schematically in FIG.3 and shown in FIG. 2 for receptacle 32, for electrically-connectingdisplay 22' and push-button switch 19' to the remainder of the circuitmeans, including circuits 18', 21', and 27. With reference to FIG. 1,these latter circuits are in this instance fixedly mounted at 34 in awall adjacent the door jamb as shown in FIG. 1, and permanently wired toelectromechanical lock control 16 and receptacle 32 as shown by thedotted lines for selective connection with the key mounteddigitally-operated display and pushbutton switch. Furthermore,digitally-operated display 22 is preferably provided by adigitally-operated solid state alpha-numeric indicator 36 mounted asshown within a window 37 provided for the purpose in key device 31. Asuitable indicator for this purpose is fully described in connectionwith FIG. 11 herein, and for the present purpose it may be characterizedas providing selective individual display of a plurality of symbols,such as letters or numbers, at a single and relatively small windowarea. In this instance, indicator 36 displays numbers 0 through 9 inresponse to the output of signal generator circuit 18'. Mounted adjacentwindow 37, and in this instance immediately therebelow, there is amanually engageable pad 38 spring biased outwardly and depressibleinwardly as shown for closing switch 19 which is located within keydevice 31 by suitable means (not shown).

By this arrangement, key device 31 may be selectively removed fromreceptacle 32 and transported by an authorized person such that the codeentry means, namely switch 19 and display 22, is unavailable at thesecurity station for unauthorized use or tampering. The

person to whom the key has been properly issued thus has available boththe physical possession of the means necessary for entering the code andpre-knowledge of the code itself. Unauthorized access requires anintruder to gain control of not only the code, but also the key device.

It is further observed, that in the absence of key device 31 it isvirtually impossible to operate lock control 16 by tampering with theexposed contact means of receptacle 32 in view of the arrangement of theconnecting contacts between display 22' and decoding circuit 21'.Without the benefit of the displayed symbols, it would be extremelydifficult to enter the proper combination of signals in the propersequence in order to dispose circuit 21' in a condition for operatinglock control 16. In this regard, it will be appreciated to those skilledin the art that although connection means 33 is here provided at alocation which separates display 22 and switch 19' from the remainder ofthe circuit, the connection means may alternatively be provided at someother interim location within the circuitry of circuits 18, 21, and 27'and yet still provide the same security feature mentioned above. Such analteration of the circuit and connection means would provide for themounting of certain of circuits 18, 21', and 27' within key device 31,an arrangement which is not only possible but practical in view of themodern day miniaturization of electronic circuits. In line with theforegoing discussion, it willbe observed however, that the connectionmeans 33 should not preferably be relegated to merely connecting theoutput of circuit 21 to lock control 16 as such an arrangement would bevulnerable to operation of control 16 by short circuiting the contactsat the exposed receptacle 32.

Electrical power or voltage for operating display 22' is received inthis instance via connection 33 from timer circuit 27'. Thus, display22' and more particularly solid state indicator 36 thereof isinoperative when key device 31 is removed from receptacle 32. Asdescribed more fully hereinafter in connection with FIG. 11, indicator36 of display 22 is not provided with power until key device 31 has beeninserted in receptacle 32 at the security station, and switch 19' closedby manual engagement and depression of pad 38. Thereupon, timer circuit27 is actuated to supply a dc voltage through connection means 33 to andfor energizing display 22' where such voltage is maintained for a givenamount of time, sufficient to enable an authorized person to enter theproper combination code. During this interval, release of pad 38 to openswitch 19' and enter the instantaneously generated signal into decodingsignal 21' does not interrupt the voltage supplied to display 22. Thisvoltage remains available at the display 22' for the duration of thetiming cycle provided by circuit 27'.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIGS. 4 through 6, digitallyoperated display 22" and push-button switch19'', corresponding to display 22' and switch 19 respectively, aremounted on a door handle 41, preferably of conventional annularshape,'as a doorknob, so as not to attract attention. Handle 41 isfixedly mounted to a door equipped as in the case of FIG. 1 with anelectrome' chanical lock control 39 cooperating with the door and a doorjamb. In particular, handle 41 is provided with a first axial end 42fixedly mounted to the door'at the usual position for a door knob. Theopposite axial end 43 is provided with a centrally-located aperture 44in which a manually engageable push-button 46 is matingly disposed.Button 46 is connected by suitable means (not shown) to and foroperating switch 19 located within the handle with button 46 beingspring biased outwardly such that inward manual depression thereofcloses the electrical contacts of the switch.

As in the case of key device 31 of FIG. 2, the digitally-operateddisplay 22" of FIG. 6 in which provided by a digitally-operated solidstate alpha-numeric indicator 47 mounted within a window 48 provided forthe purpose at an upper circumferential portion of handle 41 asillustrated by FIG. 5. Indicator 47 exhibits a single relatively smallpanel area inwhich symbols, in this instance numbers, are displayed.

In this embodiment the remainder of the circuitry other than display 22"and switch 19" is mounted at a location indicated at 51 within a walladjacent the hinged edge of the door and connection means illustrated bydotted lines are provided between the display 22", switch 19", lockcontrol 39 and the circuitry located within the adjacent wall at 51.Suitable means 52, well known to those skilled in the art, are providedfor extending the electrical connections between handle 41 and circuitlocation 51 at the hinged edge of the door.

Operation of the combination lock in this instance is similar to theembodiment described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 3 except themeans for entering the code is permanently located at the securedstation. An initial manual depression of button 46 closes push buttonswitch 19" actuating timer circuit 27" to apply power to display 22" andlight up indicator 47. Simultaneously, circuit 18" generates a sequenceof individually unique digitally encoded signals over bit lines 23"which signals are displayed at indicator 47 of display 22 as a series ofsequentially appearing numbers. Timed release of button 46 opens switch19" which causes entry of the corresponding electrical signal intodecoding circuit 21". Repeated manipulations of the push-button provideentry of the remaining symbols or signals of the combination code foroperating lock control 39 to enable opening of the door. Furtherparticulars regarding circuits 18", 21"and 27" together with switch 19"and display 22" are described in connection with ,a complete circuitdiagram shown in FIG. 11 and including corresponding circuits 18, 21, 27and a corresponding switch 19 and display 22.

Although the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 providesfor mounting of the circuitry of FIG. 6 at a wall location 51 adjacentthe door and door jamb assembly, it will be appreciated that suchcircuitry may in the alternative be mounted directly within a hollowportion provided for the purpose within handle 41. In such case,push-button switch 19", digitally operated display 22" and the remainderof the circuitry including circuit 18", 21", and 27" may be installed asa unit by merely mounting the door knob to the door assembly andproviding a connection to suitable power means and to and forcontrolling lock control 39.

A still further desirable embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 7 through 10, in which a digitally-operated display22", corresponding to displays 22 and 22", is mounted'in a displaywindow provided for the purpose within the drivers compartment of avehicle and preferably as shown by FIG. 8 within a display window 61fixedly mounted on an upper surface of a steering column 62. Along withdisplay 22, a push-button switch 19", corresponding to switches 19 and19", mounted preferably as shown in FIG. 8 on a lower or side surface ofsteering column 62. Display 22" and push-button switch 19 in this mannerprovide means accessible within the drivers compartment of the vehiclefor operating an electronic combination lock which in this instancecontrols the automobile ignition and an electrically-operated latch forthe car hood, shown as latch 63 in FIG. 9.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the electronic combination lock inaccordance with the present invention functions in cooperation with akey operated ignition switch 64 and an auxiliary hood latch switch 66 tocontrol starting of the car and access to the engine compartment securedby the hood by means of control 65. Entry of the combination code iseffected by the drivers selective actuation of push-button switch 19" incoordination with the numerical sequential display produced by a solidstate alpha-numeric indicator 67 mounted within window 61 and providingdisplay 22".

Unlike the previous circuits shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the circuitry asshown in FIG. 10 for this embodiment provides for supplying electricaldc power to digitallyoperated display 22" from a suitable power sourcevoltage V, for example from the car battery, through the contacts of aswitch 68 operated by key switch 64, and through a pair of normallyclosed contacts 71 and 72 of a relay operated by the output of adecoding circuit 21", corresponding to circuit 21 and 21". When thevehicle is parked, key switch 64 is disposed in the locked position andswitch 68 is open such that power from source V is not connected to andfor operating display 22". When the driver enters the car he turns thekey switch 64 clockwise to either safety or ignition position whichcauses closure of switch 68 supplying the V voltage through a pair ofnormally closed contacts 71 and 72 of a relay 73 to energize display22". The display thereupon lights up. Advancement of the numericaldisplay does not occur until circuit 18" is actuated by depressing abutton 74 which is mechanically connected to operate push-button switch19" causing closure thereof, and activation of the signal generatorcircuit.

With key switch 64 in this condition, the driver enters the combinationcode in the same manner as described in connection with the previousembodiments. Upon completion of the code, decoding circuit 21" providesfor energization of a coil 76 of relay 73 causing relay contacts 71 and72 to open, and normally open contacts 72 and 77 to close latching relay73 in an energized state via supply voltage V passing through switch 68and through now closed contacts 72 and 77.

Furthermore, a pair of contacts 78 are closed enabling manuallyselective closure of contacts 79 controlled by auxiliary hood switch 66on steering column 62 to operate a solonoid 81 of electrically operatedhood latch 63. It is observed in this connection, that once thecombination lock has been operated by proper entry of the code, relay 73is immediately energized which would simultaneously operate hood latchsolonoid 81 via contacts 78. However, serially inter-connected contacts79 of the auxiliary hood switch 66 provide an overriding control of thehood latch operation.

Also upon operation of the electronic combination lock, relay 73 closesa pair of contacts 82 in series with the vehicle ignition and a pair ofcontacts 83 in series with the vehicle starter motor, enabling operationof these circuits such that when key switch 64 is rotated clockwise intothe ignition position and from there to the start position the vehiclemay be started in the normal manner. So long as key switch 64 is in thesafety, ignition, or start position, relay 73 will remain energized.Thus, the vehicle engine may be turned off by rotating key switch 64from the ignition to the safety position, thus permitting starting andoperation of the vehicle without re-entering the combination code. Thisallows another person, such as a parking attendant, to operate thevehicle. Once however key switch 64 is turned to its fullcounter-clockwise position, in this instance corresponding to the lockposition as shown in FIG. 8, contacts 68, as shown in FIG. 10 are open,interrupting the supply of voltage to coil 76 of relay 73, de-energizingor unlatching the relay and restoring the circuit to its initialcondition for responding to the output of decoding circuit 21' uponsubsequent receipt of the proper combination code.

Adjacent push-button 74 of switch 19" on steering column 62 are a pairof recesses 86 disposed on opposite sides of the button to provide meansfor manually locating it. With switch 19" positioned as shown onsteering column 62 along with digitally-operated display 22", the driveris provided with both easy vision of the display panel and convenientmanual access to the push-button control.

It is observed that this embodiment of the invention in addition toserving as an antitheft device also affords an antidrunk driving safetyfeature in that a normal amount of visual-motor skill is required toenter the proper combination.

Preferably in accordance with the present invention, signal generatorcircuit 18", decoding circuit 21" and relay 73 are all disposed at acircuit location 87 within the compartment, preferably the enginecompartment, secured by latch 63. By virtue of such an arrangement,tampering with the ignition circuitry to hot-wire the vehicle isprevented because access to such circuitry is only via the locked hoodwhich can only be opened by proper entry of the combination code.Furthermore, forcing the combination lock by tampering with thecircuitry thereof is virtually impossible unless access is gained to thedecoding circuit 21 which, again requires access to the compartmentsecured by latch 63. Electrically operated latch 63 may be provided bysuitable solonoid operated latching or lock means and in this instanceis provided by the lock disclosed in my co-pending US. application, Ser.No. 169,750 referenced above.

With reference to FIG. 11, the circuit means described above inconnection with the various embodiments of the invention as signalgenerator circuits 18, 18'', and 18" may be provided as shown in FIG. 11by a signal generator circuit 18. Circuit 18 here includes alow-frequency clock 91 connected to a suitable supply voltage V andhaving a control input 92 extended for connection to ground .via thenormally opened contacts of push-button switch 19 corresponding topreviously described switches 19', 19", and 19". An output 93 of clock91 issues an extremely low frequency signal, such as one or less cyclesper second, suitable for the present purpose, namely, driving thesymbolic display. Output 93 of the clock is extended to an advancingclock input 94 of a digital counter 96 which is connected between asupply voltage V and ground as shown. Counter 96 is of the binary codeddecimal BCD type and develops a digital count corresponding to thenumber of clock pulses received at input 94 from clock 91. The output ofcounter 96 is in this instance in the form of four digital bit lines,indicated at 23, and corresponding to the above-described bit lines 23,23", and 23", wherein each such, line carries a discreet logic levelrepresenting a l or 0, which taken together represent in binary-codeddecimal format the instantaneous count on counter 96. Bit lines 23 arejointly connected to digitally-operated display 22, corresponding todisplays 22', 22", and 22" discussed above, and to a binary codeddecimal (BCD) to decimal converter of decoding circuit 21 whichcorresponds to circuits 2], 21 and 21 previously men tioned.

Digitally-operated display 22 receives the digitally encoded signal frombit lines 23 and when energized by a supply voltage V over a line 98,provides for translating the digital information on lines 23 into avisual symbolic display, such as decimal numbers from 0 through 9representing the instantaneous count of counter 96. For the embodimentsof the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, display 22 is energizedover line 98 by a voltage output from a latch and delay circuit 99 whichissues a voltage V at an output 101 for a predetermined interval of timein response to momentary grounding of a control input 102 via pushbuttonswitch 19. Thus when switch 19 is momentarily closed in the firstinstance, circuit 99 responds by assuming a latched condition, theduration of which is controlled by a delay circuit portion thereof, suchthat display 22 is powered for a pre-determined interval ad equate foran authorized person to enter the proper combination code. In theautomobile embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 10 digitallyoperated display 22" is energized via contacts of a relay 73 asdescribed above rather than by latch and delay circuit 99.

In accordance with the present invention, digitally operated display 22is preferably provided by a commercially available solid statealpha-numeric indicator. Such indicator includes its own latch memoryand binary to decimal matrix decoder and operates by an array or matrixof light-emitting diodes (LED) driven by an LED matrix driver. The LEDmatrix provides a rectangular display panel having side dimensions ofless than an inch and a thickness of approximately 0.] to 0.2 of an inchand carrying an array of light-emitting diodes which when selectivelyenergized provide for a letter, number of other symbolic display. Thepresent invention employs one such panel for each of displays 22', 22"and 22". Although such indicators are available from a number ofsources, one suitable device is marketed by Hewlett-Packard as their5082-7300 series Solid State Numeric Indicators. Such display panels orindicators each have a voltage supply input to which line 98 isconnected, a four line binary-coded decimal input to which bit lines 23in FIG. 11 are connected and a ground input which as shown in FIG. 11 isconnected to ground.

In order to cause display 22 to visually present the various numbers orsymbols of the combination code, switch 19 is displaced from itsunactuated and open condition, as shown in FIG. 11 to an actuated orclosed condition and maintained in such closed condition to produce thefollowing result. First, circuit 99 as above described energizes display22 over line 98. Clock 91 and counter 96 also as above describedgenerate a slowly changing binary coded decimal count on bit lines 23which when applied to the four line BCD input of display 22 at 103results in a visual and in this instance numeric display of the signalsdeveloped by counter 96, sequentially as generated. This operating modeis maintained so long as push-button switch 19 is continuously manuallyengaged in its actuated state.

The particular combination code is entered into the circuitry and inparticular entered into decoding circuit 21 by releasing push-buttonswitch 19 at the instance a symbol to be selected and corresponding toone of the numbers of a predetermined combination code appears ondisplay 22. Preferably and in accordance with the present invention, thecombination code consists of a plurality of symbols, in this instancenumbers, arranged in a predetermined sequence and entered sequentiallyinto the decoding circuit. For example, the combination code may be setas 8 5 3 2. These numbers must be entered in this sequence into decodingcircuit 21 by appropriately timed releases of switch 19. When the finalnumber of code, in this instance number 2, is entered then decodingcircuit 21 functions to energize or otherwise activate an output control104 representing the various lock or other security controls describedabove as lock control 16 and 16' and ignition, starter motor, and hoodlatch control 65.

In particular, push-button switch 19 cooperates with decoding circuit 21in the following manner. The output bit lines 23 from counter 96 are inaddition to being connected to the four line BCD input of display 22 areconnected as shown at 106 to a digital converter 107 providing a binarycoded decimal to decimal conversion of the information carried by lines23 as generated. The digitally encoded information at the input toconverter 107 is thus translated into a decimal format with outputsthrough 9 as shown being connected to a programmable matrix 108. Matrix108 provides a means for selective, semi-permanent connection of a setoffour output lines therefrom to particular ones of the decimal outputs 0through 9 available from converter 107. These four output linesidentified as the first, second, third and fourth lines from matrix 108are energized as the decimal outputs to which these lines have beenconnected by programming matrix 108 are energized by counter 96 throughconverter 107. Matrix 108 thereby establishes the certain numbersdeveloped by counter 96 and displayed by display 22, which must beentered in order to operate the decoding circuit. The sequence of suchentry is dictated by circuitry including a logic circuit 111 and a ringcounter 112 which in turn are connected for control by switch 19 over aline 113.

In particular, ring counter 112 develops a gating signal at each of itsoutputs, B, C, D, and E in a manner determined by the manual actuationand release of push-button switch 19. These gating signals are extendedto one of the inputs of each of a set of four NAND gates 116, 117, 118and 119 to enable each of these gates to issue an output signal to anerror detecting NAND gate 121 only if the operator releases pushbutton19 at the proper time to select the proper code number in thepredetermined sequence. Failure to enter the proper combination numberor entry of the proper number in the wrong sequence results in NAND gate121 issuing an output signal to a latch and delay circuit 122 whichserves as a time penalty circuit immediately generating a signal atoutput 123 disabling further functioning of ring counter 112 by clearingthe count thereon at a clear input 124. This disabling mode ismaintained for a predetermined amount of time provided by the delayportion of latch and delay circuit 122. If on the other hand NAND gate121 does not detect a false number or a number out of sequence, theneach of the combination numbers are entered by sequentially enablinggates 116, 117, 118 and 119 by the first, second, third, and fourthposition output lines of matrix 108. Upon reaching the fourth position,corresponding to the last number or symbol in the four digit code, gate119 is energized and logic circuit 117 develops an output over line 126providing for operation of output control 104 through a latch and delaycircuit 127. Simultaneously, the signal on line 126 is extended to andfor disabling circuit 122 during operation of the output control at aninhibit control 128 and to clear counter 96 at clear input 129. In thisregard it will be observed that the output at line 126 is onlytransitory following successful entry of the combination code and latchand delay circuit 127 serves to provide a sustained output to operatecontrol 104 for a time interval determined by the delay portion ofcircuit 127.

Accordingly, the operation of the circuitry shown in FIG. 7 for enteringa code combination 8532, used in the example above, will proceed asfollows: An operator initially engages push-button switch 19 energizingdisplay 22, starting clock 91 and simultaneously clearing ring counter112 by the signal issued at output 101 of circuit 99 via an inverter131, and presetting counter 112 to the output A position by a presetcontrol 132 extended to output 101 of circuit 99. During continuousmanual engagement with switch l9'numbers sequentially appear on display22. NAND gate 12] serving as an error detector receives at an input 133a low logic signal by virtue of its connection to ground 134 through theclosed contacts of switch 19. This is significant in that NAND gate 121must have at all times applied to any one of its inputs a low logicsignal in order to prevent triggering of the time penalty delay ofcircuit 122. in the absence of such a low signal the output of gate 121issues a signal triggering operation of latch and delay circuit 122,thereby disabling further entry of the code for the penalty time.

As the first number of the combination code appears on display 22, inthis instance number 8, the operator immediately releases push-button19. This transition of switch 19 from its actuated state to itsunactuated state develops a signal on line 113 which clocks ring counter112, shifting a high logic level from preset output A to output B.Simultaneously, the 1st line output of matrix 108 corresponding to thefirst position of the combination code, will go high as matrix 108 hasbeen programmed to connect the decimal line carrying decimal 8 fromconverter 107 to the 1st output line of the matrix. These two highsignals are connected to the input of NAND 116 which responds by issuinga low logic signal to another of the inputs of NAND gate 121, thuspreserving the condition mentioned above whereby gate 121 must receiveat all times a low signal at one of its inputs.

Having thus released push-button 19 as S appeared on display 22, theoperator proceeds to enter the second number of the combination, namely,5. Switch 19 is again engaged and disposed in its actuated state causingthe display to sequentially generate signals in response to counter 96.As appears on the display, switch 19 is released and the digital signalcorresponding to decimal 5 is applied to converter 107, whereupon thedecimal output 5 thereof is directed by matrix 108 to the second outputline thereof. Simultaneously the ring counter 112 is stepped over line113 to the C output which is fed along with the second output line ofthe matrix 108 to the inputs of NAND gate 117. The resulting output fromNAND gate 117 is again a low signal and the output of gate 121 remainsunenergized. In a similar manner the third position code number, namely3 is selected and entered into the decoding circuit and together withthe D output of ring counter 112 is connected to NAND gate 118 havingthe same result discussed above in connection with gates 116 and 117.Finally, the last digit or position of the combination code, namely 2,is entered in a similar manner discussed above and the D output of ringcounter 112 and the 4th position output line of matrix 108 combine todrive the output of NAND gate 119 low, with this low signal constitutingthe energizing signal for operating latch and delay circuit 127 andoperating output control 104.

It will be appreciated that if during the entry of the code a mistake'ismade, then one of NAND gates 116, 117, 118 or 119 would issue a highlogic signal to NAND gate 121, thereby triggering circuit 122 to preventcompletion of the code.

In this manner entry of a sophisticated combination code is providedthrough the use of a single pushbutton 19 and a single indicator panelforming a part of digitally operated display 22. To provide thesophisticated security feature of a multi'position combination codenumber, in this instance four positions or digits, it will beappreciated that de-coding circuit 21 includes in the form of logiccircuit 111 and ring counter 112 an electrical memory circuit forreceiving information concerning the position or digit of thecombination being entered at any given time. This memory aspect of logiccircuit 111 and ring counter 112 affords a circuit capable of acceptinga combination code having multiple digits or positions, wherein thisinformation is entered sequentially via a single manually operatedpushbutton and a single alpha-numeric display indicator.

While a particular arrangement of circuitry is shown in FIG. 11, it willbe appreciated that other circuits may be employed to achieve thefunctions taught by the present invention. It will also be recognizedthat the circuit of FIG. 11 may include other known security features,such as an error counter for counting the number of mistakes anddisabling the circuit operation after receiving a pre-selected number ofsuch mistakes, and means operating an alarm in response to an initialmistake such as detected by NAND gate 121.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative preferred embodimentof the invention is illustrated in which the circuit of FIG. 11 and thekey device of FIG. 2 have been modified to provide for a manuallyselective reversal of the sequence by which the combination symbols ornumbers are displayed Specifically, a counter 136 similar to counter 96of FIG. 11 is provided with a reversible feature, wherein a forwardinput 137 advances the counter in a forward count direction in responseto clock pulses received from a low frequency clock source, such asclock 138 corresponding to clock 91 of FIG. 11. A backward input 139 isalso provided and is responsive to the same clock source to countbackward. Thus the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes additional manuallyoperated switch 141 having a pair of normally closed contacts 142 and143 and a pair of normally open contacts 142 and 144. The set ofnormally closed contacts 142 and 143 of switch 141 are adapted toconnect the output of clock 138 to the forward input 137 of counter 136whereas the normally open contacts 142 and 144 connect. the same clockoutput to the backward input 139 of the reversible counter 136. Amanually operated push-button switch 146 corresponding to switch 19 ofFIG. 11 activates clock 138 to feed clock pulses to counter 136'with theoutput thereof being visually registered on display 147, correspondingto display 22 of FIG. 11.

In operation, swtich 146 is manually engaged to start the sequentialdisplay and switch 141 if unoperated remains in the condition shown inFIG. 12 with the normally closed contacts providing a forward count oncounter 136 which for example may appear on the display indicator as l,2, 3, 4, etc On the other hand, if the operator desires to reverse thesequence in order to pick up a number, such as 3 when the display is on4 or 5, he may reverse the sequence of generation by manually operatingswitch 141 to close the normally open contacts 142 and 144 applying theclock signal to the backward input 139 of counter 136.

To provide for this manual operation of both switch 146 and reversingswitch 141 a key device 148, similar to key device 31 of FIG. 2 isprovided having suitable means, which is conventional and thus notshown, for permitting two different modes of manual operation of anengageable pad 149 to afford selective operation of both switches. Inthis instance, pad 149 may be depressed inwardly as in the case of pad38 of key device 31 of FIG. 2 to close switch 146 and start the displaysequence. Also, pad 149 is provided with a downward movement which ismechanically connected by means not shown to operate switch 141 openingthe normally closed contacts 142 and 143 and closing the normally opencontacts 142 and 144. The downward movement of pad 149 simultaneouslywith inward depression thereof, thus results in a continued displaysequence, however with sequence reversed.

In addition to this modification, switch 148 must be provided along witha receptacle 151, corresponding to receptacle 32 of FIGS. 1 and 2, withsuitable connection means for accommodating the additional electricalcircuits, here shown as contacts 152. While the reversal switch featureis illustrated in connection with the embodiment corresponding to theportable key arrangement of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be appreciatedthat the circuitry of FIG. 12 including the reversal switch may beadapted to each of the other embodiments of the invention such as thoseshown in FIGS. 4 through 10.

I claim:

1. An electronic combination lock comprising:

electrically operated lock control means,

circuit means including manually actuated switch means having anunactuated state and being placed in an actuated state by continuousmanual engagement therewith, said circuit means generating a sequence ofelectrical signals during the actuated state of said switch means andbeing operable to select predetermined ones of said generated signalsfor operating said lock control means in response to transitions of saidswitch means from its actu ated state to its unactuated state, and

means for displaying said generated signals, whereby said switch meansmay be selectively and manually operated between its actuated andunactuated states to achieve the selection of said predeterminedsignals.

2. The lock of claim 1, wherein said circuit means includes anelectrical signal generator for generating said sequence of signals ofsaid switch means being connected to and for operation of saidgenerator.

3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said circuit means further includes adecoding circuit responsive to said predetermined signals to operatesaid lock control means. i

4. The lock of claim ll wherein said display means is comprised of adigitally operated solid state alphanumeric indicator.

5. The lock of claim 1, said lock control means including anelectro-mechanical lock adapted for installation in a door and door jambassembly, and further comprising, a door handle adapted to be mountedonsaid door, said display means and said switch means of said circuitmeans being mounted on said door handle.

6. The lock of claim 5, said handle having an annular shape with oneaxial end adapted for mounting to said door, said switch means includinga push-button switch mounted on the other end of said handlesubstantially coaxially therewith.

7. The lock of claim 6, said display means comprising, a solidstatealpha-numeric indicator disposed in a window provided for the purpose insaid handle.

8. The lock of claim 1, said lock control means including an ignitionswitch for a vehicle and said display means and switch means of saidcircuit means be adapted for installation in the drivers compartment ofsuch vehicle.

9. The lock of claim steering column having a display window disposedfor observation by a driver, said display means including a solid statealpha-numeric indicator mounted in said column window, and said switchmeans mounted on said steering column.

10. The lock of claim 9, wherein said window is mounted on an uppersurface of said steering column and said switch means is mounted in aside or lower surface of said steering column, and further comprising,manual switch locator means disposed on said steering column immediatelyadjacent said switch means.

11. The electronic combination lock of claim 1, said circuit meanscomprising signal generator means having a forward mode and a backwardmode generating said sequence of signals in a forward and reverse orderrespectively, and additional manually actuated switch means selectivelydisposing said generator means in either its forward or backward mode.

12. A security control system for selectively electrically operatingcontrol means adapted for fixed installation at and control of a securedstation comprising, electrical circuit means including manually actuatedswitch means for generating a sequence of electrical signals and forselecting certain of said signals in order to operate said controlmeans, and portable key means for detachable connection at said stationand having electrically operated display means for displaying sym- 8further comprising, a vehicle bolic representations of said generatedsignals, whereby said certain signals may be selected by selcctivemanual operation of said switch means in accordance with the displayedrepresentations of said generated signals.

13. The control system of claim 12, further defined by a push-buttonswitch providing said manually actuated switch means, said push-buttonswitch mounted on said portable key means and having an unactuated stateand being disposed in an actuated state during continuous manualengagement therewith, said circuit means generating said sequence ofelectrical signals during the actuated state of said push-button switchand said circuit means responsive to a transition of said push-buttonswitch from its actuated state to its unactuated state to select one ofthe sequentially generated signals, whereby said push-button switch ismanually engaged to initiate a sequential display of the generatedsignals and manually released at the instance of a displayed symbol toselect the corresponding-electrical signal. 7

14. The security control system of claim 12 wherein said circuit meanscomprises signal generator means having a forward mode and a backwardmode for generating said sequence of electrical signals in a forward anda reverse order respectively, and additional manually actuated switchmeans selectively disposed said generator means in either its forward orbackward mode.

15. in a security control system having electrically operated lockmeans, the combination therewith comprising: I

circuit means including generator means for automatically generating asequence of electrical signals and said circuit means further includingdecoding means responsive to predetermined ones of said sequence ofsignals for operating said lock means,

electrically-operated display means connected to said generator meansfor visually displaying symbolic representations of said generatedsignals, and

manually operated switch means having a plurality of states and capableof being selectively and manually disposed in said various states, saidgenerator meansbeing responsive to one of said states of said switchmeans to issue said sequence of electrical signals and said decodingmeans being responsive to another of said states of said switch means toreceive the signal issued by said generator means at the instance of anyselect time, whereby selective manual operation of said switch meansbetween its various states enables an operator to select with theassistance of said display means the predetermined ones of said sequenceof signals for successfully operating said lock means.

16. In the control system of claim 15, the combination thereof beingfurther defined by said electrically operated display means comprising asingle display panel selectively, sequentially displaying alphanumericsymbols as said representations of said generated electrical signals,and said manually operated switch means comprising a single manuallycontrolled actuator for selectively disposing said switch means in saidvarious states, whereby a compact control device is provided in which asingle manual control serves to enter selected alpha-numeric symbols asa plurality of the symbols are sequentially visually presented on thesingle display panel.

17. In the control system of claim 15, said signal generator means ofsaid circuit means having a forward mode and a backward mode generatingsaid sequence of electrical signals in a forward and reverse orderrespectively, and said generator means being responsive to one or moreof said plurality of states of said manually operated switch means forselectively disposing said generator means in either its forward orbackward mode.

18. In the control system of claim 15, wherein said electricallyoperated lock means includes an electromechanical lock adapted forinstallation in a door and door jamb assembly, the combination furthercomprising, a door handle adapted to be mounted on said door, saiddisplay means and switch means being mounted on said door handle.

19. In the security control system. of claim 15, wherein theelectrically operated lock means includes a vehicle ignition switch, thecombination further comprising, a vehicle steering column fixedlycarrying a display window disposed for observation by a driver, saiddisplay means mounted in said column window and said switch meansmounted on said steering column.

20. in a security control system having electrically operated lock meansadapted for fixed installation at a controlled security station, thecombination therewith comprising:

circuit means including generator means for generating a sequence ofelectrical signals and decoding means responsive to predetermined onesof such signals for operating said lock means, electrically-operateddisplay means connected to said generator means for visually displayingsymbolic representations of said generated signals, and

manually operated switch means connected to and for operating saidgenerator means for selective generation of said signals and said switchmeans connected to and for operating said decoding means to select andcommunicate said prcdctermined signals thereto for operation of saidlock means, and

a portable key means detachably electrically connected to a receptaclemeans provided at said station, said receptacle means being connected tosaid circuit means, said display means and said switch means beingmounted on and carried by said key means for portable transportationthereof relative to said station. 21. An electronic combination lockcomprising: electrically operated lock control means adapted for fixedinstallation at a controlled security station, circuit means includingmanually actuated switch means having an unactuated state and beingplaced in an actuated state by continuous manual engagement therewith,said circuit means generating a sequence of electrical signals duringthe actuated state of said switch means and being operable to selectpredetermined ones of said generated signals for operating said lockcontrol means in response to transitions of said switch means for itsactuated state to its unactuated state,

means for displaying said generated signals,

portable key means detachably electrically connected at said station-forportable transportation relative thereto, said means for displaying saidgenerated signals being carried by said key means for operation of theformer when said key means is connected at said station, whereby saidkey means may be connected at said station and said switch meansselectively and manually operated between its actuated and unactuatedstates to achieve the selection of said predetermined signals.

22. The electronic combination lock of claim 21,

wherein said switch means of said circuit means is carried by said keymeans together with said display means for detachable electricalconnection at said station.

1. An electronic combination lock comprising: electrically operated lockcontrol means, circuit means including manually actuated switch meanshaving an unactuated state and being placed in an actuated state bycontinuous manual engagement therewith, said circuit means generating asequence of electrical signals during the actuated state of said switchmeans and being operable to select predetermined ones of said generatedsignals for operating said lock control means in response to transitionsof said switch means from its actuated state to its unactuated state,and means for displaying said generated signals, whereby said switchmeans may be selectively and manually operated between its actuated andunactuated states to achieve the selection of said predeterminedsignals.
 2. The lock of claim 1, wherein said circuit means includes anelectrical signal generator for generating said sequence of signaLs ofsaid switch means being connected to and for operation of saidgenerator.
 3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said circuit means furtherincludes a decoding circuit responsive to said predetermined signals tooperate said lock control means.
 4. The lock of claim 1 wherein saiddisplay means is comprised of a digitally operated solid statealpha-numeric indicator.
 5. The lock of claim 1, said lock control meansincluding an electro-mechanical lock adapted for installation in a doorand door jamb assembly, and further comprising, a door handle adapted tobe mounted on said door, said display means and said switch means ofsaid circuit means being mounted on said door handle.
 6. The lock ofclaim 5, said handle having an annular shape with one axial end adaptedfor mounting to said door, said switch means including a push-buttonswitch mounted on the other end of said handle substantially coaxiallytherewith.
 7. The lock of claim 6, said display means comprising, asolid state alpha-numeric indicator disposed in a window provided forthe purpose in said handle.
 8. The lock of claim 1, said lock controlmeans including an ignition switch for a vehicle and said display meansand switch means of said circuit means be adapted for installation inthe driver''s compartment of such vehicle.
 9. The lock of claim 8further comprising, a vehicle steering column having a display windowdisposed for observation by a driver, said display means including asolid state alpha-numeric indicator mounted in said column window, andsaid switch means mounted on said steering column.
 10. The lock of claim9, wherein said window is mounted on an upper surface of said steeringcolumn and said switch means is mounted in a side or lower surface ofsaid steering column, and further comprising, manual switch locatormeans disposed on said steering column immediately adjacent said switchmeans.
 11. The electronic combination lock of claim 1, said circuitmeans comprising signal generator means having a forward mode and abackward mode generating said sequence of signals in a forward andreverse order respectively, and additional manually actuated switchmeans selectively disposing said generator means in either its forwardor backward mode.
 12. A security control system for selectivelyelectrically operating control means adapted for fixed installation atand control of a secured station comprising, electrical circuit meansincluding manually actuated switch means for generating a sequence ofelectrical signals and for selecting certain of said signals in order tooperate said control means, and portable key means for detachableconnection at said station and having electrically operated displaymeans for displaying symbolic representations of said generated signals,whereby said certain signals may be selected by selective manualoperation of said switch means in accordance with the displayedrepresentations of said generated signals.
 13. The control system ofclaim 12, further defined by a push-button switch providing saidmanually actuated switch means, said push-button switch mounted on saidportable key means and having an unactuated state and being disposed inan actuated state during continuous manual engagement therewith, saidcircuit means generating said sequence of electrical signals during theactuated state of said push-button switch and said circuit meansresponsive to a transition of said push-button switch from its actuatedstate to its unactuated state to select one of the sequentiallygenerated signals, whereby said push-button switch is manually engagedto initiate a sequential display of the generated signals and manuallyreleased at the instance of a displayed symbol to select thecorresponding electrical signal.
 14. The security control system ofclaim 12 wherein said circuit means comprises signal generator meanshaving a forward mode and a backward mode for generating said sequenceof electrical signals in a forward and a rEverse order respectively, andadditional manually actuated switch means selectively disposed saidgenerator means in either its forward or backward mode.
 15. In asecurity control system having electrically operated lock means, thecombination therewith comprising: circuit means including generatormeans for automatically generating a sequence of electrical signals andsaid circuit means further including decoding means responsive topredetermined ones of said sequence of signals for operating said lockmeans, electrically-operated display means connected to said generatormeans for visually displaying symbolic representations of said generatedsignals, and manually operated switch means having a plurality of statesand capable of being selectively and manually disposed in said variousstates, said generator means being responsive to one of said states ofsaid switch means to issue said sequence of electrical signals and saiddecoding means being responsive to another of said states of said switchmeans to receive the signal issued by said generator means at theinstance of any select time, whereby selective manual operation of saidswitch means between its various states enables an operator to selectwith the assistance of said display means the predetermined ones of saidsequence of signals for successfully operating said lock means.
 16. Inthe control system of claim 15, the combination thereof being furtherdefined by said electrically operated display means comprising a singledisplay panel selectively, sequentially displaying alpha-numeric symbolsas said representations of said generated electrical signals, and saidmanually operated switch means comprising a single manually controlledactuator for selectively disposing said switch means in said variousstates, whereby a compact control device is provided in which a singlemanual control serves to enter selected alpha-numeric symbols as aplurality of the symbols are sequentially visually presented on thesingle display panel.
 17. In the control system of claim 15, said signalgenerator means of said circuit means having a forward mode and abackward mode generating said sequence of electrical signals in aforward and reverse order respectively, and said generator means beingresponsive to one or more of said plurality of states of said manuallyoperated switch means for selectively disposing said generator means ineither its forward or backward mode.
 18. In the control system of claim15, wherein said electrically operated lock means includes anelectro-mechanical lock adapted for installation in a door and door jambassembly, the combination further comprising, a door handle adapted tobe mounted on said door, said display means and switch means beingmounted on said door handle.
 19. In the security control system of claim15, wherein the electrically operated lock means includes a vehicleignition switch, the combination further comprising, a vehicle steeringcolumn fixedly carrying a display window disposed for observation by adriver, said display means mounted in said column window and said switchmeans mounted on said steering column.
 20. In a security control systemhaving electrically operated lock means adapted for fixed installationat a controlled security station, the combination therewith comprising:circuit means including generator means for generating a sequence ofelectrical signals and decoding means responsive to predetermined onesof such signals for operating said lock means, electrically-operateddisplay means connected to said generator means for visually displayingsymbolic representations of said generated signals, and manuallyoperated switch means connected to and for operating said generatormeans for selective generation of said signals and said switch meansconnected to and for operating said decoding means to select andcommunicate said predetermined signals thereto for operation of saidlock means, and a portable key Means detachably electrically connectedto a receptacle means provided at said station, said receptacle meansbeing connected to said circuit means, said display means and saidswitch means being mounted on and carried by said key means for portabletransportation thereof relative to said station.
 21. An electroniccombination lock comprising: electrically operated lock control meansadapted for fixed installation at a controlled security station, circuitmeans including manually actuated switch means having an unactuatedstate and being placed in an actuated state by continuous manualengagement therewith, said circuit means generating a sequence ofelectrical signals during the actuated state of said switch means andbeing operable to select predetermined ones of said generated signalsfor operating said lock control means in response to transitions of saidswitch means for its actuated state to its unactuated state, means fordisplaying said generated signals, portable key means detachablyelectrically connected at said station for portable transportationrelative thereto, said means for displaying said generated signals beingcarried by said key means for operation of the former when said keymeans is connected at said station, whereby said key means may beconnected at said station and said switch means selectively and manuallyoperated between its actuated and unactuated states to achieve theselection of said predetermined signals.
 22. The electronic combinationlock of claim 21, wherein said switch means of said circuit means iscarried by said key means together with said display means fordetachable electrical connection at said station.